Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1887-05-21
Here's a Man
THAT rs A MAN-ANDREw CARNEGIE's
POLITICAL CREED.

POLITICAL CREED.
New YORK, May 1.-THE follow
ing letter has created quite a sensa-
zion among the "Anglo-maniacs" in
this city.
Mr.. Andrew Carnegie, having been
requested to attend the preliminary
meeting, and at later date to con-
tribute to the funds for the propos-
ed celebration of the Queens Jubilee
IN New York, addressed the follow
ing reply to the treasurer of the
fund, Mr. John Patton, banker:
BoUcHURCH, ISLE OF WIGHT, May 5,
1887.
Ny DEAR SIR There are several
good reasons why / cannot subscribe
to or sympathize with the proposed
jubilee.
First.-I am an American citizen
and very staunch Republican,
man who rejects the monarchical
idea as inconsistent with and insult
ing to his manhood. Ishould stulti-
fly myself were | to celebrate the
reign of an hereditary ruler. Il
was born as free as Caesar"
Second-I am at lost to see what
naturalized American citizens have
to do celebrating the reign of any
sovereign monarch. If they are not
loyal Republicans and true to the
land of their adoption, it is open to
them at all times to leave its shores
and find homes elsewhere.
The Republic deserves to be sery-
ed by citizens true to the fundamen-
tai idea upon which her political in
stitutions are based. [ infer that
this view is shared by the most dis
tinguished of these gentlemen Of
New York, who, like myself, were
born the subjects of the monarchy,
for | observe with satisfaction, that
your committee has been compelled
to select a Canadian as President
and also as chief orator-eminent
and justly honored men, but still
quite foreign to New York and Amer
lea.
A New York demonstration, pre-
sided over and also addressed by
imported Canadians, will be quite
unique in It's way, but in no sense
will represent New York, | rejoice
that no New York men of position
could be found who could so far
forget themselves as to appear upon
republican soil as the eulogist of
monarcy.
To such of my fellow countrymen
as see proper to enjoy the blessings
of residence in America, and yet re
main aliens / venture to suggest that
the canons of good taste, not less
than gratitude to the Republic to
whose hospitality they are indebted
for so many favors, should lead them
to hesitate before parading and fore
ing upon the knowledge Of their per
haps too generous host that their
first allegiance is to a foreign ruler
and their preference for political in
stitutions virtually opposed to those
of the land in which they dwell and
prosper.
In conclusion, my dear Mr.. Patton,
if our fellow countrymen must cele-
brate something, let me suggest to
them that the proper day for a po-
litical demonstration in New York
is the Fourth of July, and on that
day let them pray that the day is
not for distant when our less favored
countrymen at home shall share with
us the blessings Of institutions found
ed upon the political equality of the
citizens-the day when hereditary
privilege will be unknown, and when
government of the people, by the
people and for the people, will be
the watchword Of English speaking
men throughout the world.
Sincerely yours,
ANDREW CARNEGIE.